How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?

Cosmetic dentistry can improve your oral health

Cosmetic Dentistry Provides a Variety of Oral Health Benefits

When you think of oral health, you likely think about just your teeth and gums. Maybe you even think about the rest of your mouth, such as your tongue and the inside of your cheeks. But oral health is about far more than those things. Since the mouth serves as the entryway into the body, those with poor oral health often experience many other health issues. But how do you know if you have bad oral health, and what should you do about it? Further, how can cosmetic dentistry help?

4 Reasons Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help You Improve Your Oral Health

Before we discuss how cosmetic dentistry can help you improve your oral health and help you with concerns such as tooth pain relief or treatment for a broken tooth, it is essential to understand how to determine if you have poor oral health. And the answer is quite simple. If you are experiencing tooth pain or have a toothache that won’t go away, if you have gums that bleed, or if you have habitually bad breath that doesn’t seem to get better no matter how many times you rinse with mouthwash, it is likely that you have poor oral health.

Unfortunately, since the bacteria from your mouth can get into your bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, you must take steps to reverse the situation and improve your oral health.

Misshapen or crooked teeth lead to several health issues and can cause lasting dental damage. However, cosmetic dentistry can help to turn those issues around, not only to provide you with a better smile but also to improve your oral health, which will ultimately improve your overall health. Consider the following ways that cosmetic dentistry can help you improve your oral health.

1. A healthier smile will boost your confidence

Smiling is good for our health in so many ways. When we smile, especially a genuine smile that comes from the heart, it can increase physical endurance, reduce your blood pressure, reduce pain and stress, strengthen your immune system, and boost your mood. But when our smiles are something less than what we desire, we might not flash those pearly whites quite so often. For this reason, many adults undergo what we call a smile makeover that might consist of dental implants, crowns, teeth whitening, or other dental treatments designed to improve their smiles.

2. Healthier and straight teeth have a positive impact on your periodontitis

When you have straight teeth, it can help you avoid some of the more negative gum disease effects. For example, straight teeth are far easier to brush and floss than crooked teeth. When it is easier to brush away the plaque that has built up on your teeth, it reduces the risk for tooth decay, plaque retention, and of course, cavities. This is good for your gums and can help you to keep your periodontitis at bay. Furthermore, straight teeth can help reduce tooth chipping or breaking risk, which may require additional dental treatments.

3. Straight teeth mean less risk for complications related to TMJ

When you have an even bite, you are less likely to experience temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). TMJ disorders, often referred to as TMD, can lead to headaches, stiffness or clicking in the jaw, and other jaw or mouth-related pain. When your teeth are straightened through orthodontia or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, it takes stress off the TMJ, reducing your risk for uncomfortable disorders. Since TMJ can also impact your sleep, having your teeth straightened can mean a better night’s rest.

4. Straight teeth can aid in your digestion

This might not seem all that obvious to you, but trust us, straight teeth make eating easier. Not only does a straight smile make it more comfortable for you to chew your food, but it is also better for your digestion. When your food is chewed properly, it gets worn down into smaller pieces that are easier for your system to digest. This helps the bacteria in your stomach work more efficiently and helps prevent indigestion and other digestion issues. Food that has been chewed thoroughly is easier for your internal organs to process and can cause less damage over time.

Monroe Family Dentistry Can Improve Your Oral Health Through Cosmetic Dentistry

If your teeth are misshapen or not as straight or white as they could be, you might want to consider a cosmetic dentistry treatment from your Greenville, SC dentist. Cosmetic dentistry has many benefits, and the Monroe Family Dentistry team would love to talk to you about how we can help you improve your smile and oral health. Give us a call at (864) 268-0936 or request an appointment using our online form.